Isolation system

Abstract

A vibration-isolating apparatus having orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes is provided for mounting a payload to a base. The payload contains a torque producing device. Torque generated about the X-axis in the payload is communicated to the base through a stiff linkage in the rotational degree of freedom about the X-axis. The apparatus includes first and second support frames, the payload mounted on the first support frame and the second support frame mounted to the base. Gimbal means permit rotation of the payload about the Y and Z axes. Linear dampening means dampen forces between the payload and base communicated linearly along the X, Y and Z axes and rotation dampening means dampen forces between the payload and base communicated rotationally about the Y and Z axes.

We claim: 
     
       1. Apparatus for mounting a payload on a base, said apparatus being oriented with respect to arbitrary X, Y and Z axes with said axes being mutually perpendicular and meeting at a common center, and said payload containing a torque-producing device which spins about said X axis, wherein the torque generated about the X axis in the payload is communicated to the base through a stiff linkage in the rotational degree of freedom about the X axis comprising: first and second support frames,   means for mounting said payload on said first support frame,   means for mounting said first support frame on said second support frame, and   means for mounting said second support frame on said base, said mounting means including linear dampening means for dampening forces communicated linearly along the Y and Z axes between said payload and said base.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said mounting means further includes linear dampening means for dampening forces communicated linearly along the X axis between said payload and said base. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus as in claim 1 or 2 wherein said mounting means further includes gimbal means for permitting rotation of the payload about the Y axis and about the Z axis. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said gimbal means include rotation dampening means for dampening forces communicated rotationally about the Y and Z axes between said payload and said base. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said dampening means comprise electric motors.